The Clive Staples Award Has Moved

The Clive Staples Award will now be hosted by Speculative Faith. Little else has changed. The award remains a Readers’ Choice, from nominations to final voting.

Nominations opened today for 2013 (books published in 2012). You can see all the rules and guidelines as well as nominate your favorite book at Spec Faith.

The 2010 Clive Staples Award Winner

Nineteen nominations.

Thirty days of voting.

One winner.

After deleting ineligible ballots and ones that did not adhere to the instructions, I can now reveal the 2010 Clive Staples Award winner. Since no nomination had a majority of the votes, I took into consideration the choices for second and third place.

The leading novel finished with 33% of the first place votes, 12% of the second place votes, and 5% of the third place votes, meaning that this book received votes on 50% of the ballots.

The nearest other nomination received votes on 38% of the ballots.

Here are the top five books readers participating in the 2010 CSA—Readers Choice selected as the best:

Number 5, Lunatic by Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill (Thomas Nelson). Learn more about this novel from the CSA introduction.

Number 4 (second in first-place votes), By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press). See the CSA intro for details about this Christy Award winning novel.

Number 3, Curse of the Spider King by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper (Thomas Nelson). Story summary, links to reviews, interviews, and more available in the CSA Introductory post.

Number 2, Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K Paul (WaterBrook/Multnomah).
Genre.
Young adult/adult Christian fantasy

Description.
Book 1, Dragons of Chiril
Tipper is a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own?

The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder.

Join new characters and old friends in a fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know nothing of Wulder or Paladin. See the rest of the CSA introduction.

* * *
NUMBER 1, the 2010 CSA Readers’ Choice Winner

Bones of Makaidos by Bryan Davis

Genre.
Young adult Christian contemporary fantasy/supernatural suspense

Description.
As the fiery wall of Abraham dies away, the people of Second Eden wait for the coming war. Giants and dragons will soon break through the barrier and attack, powered by the hatred they have stored up for four years. Although they have prepared for the onslaught, a spy has come among them, one who learns their weaknesses.

Meanwhile, Bonnie, Shiloh, and Sapphira leave their protective hideout deep in the heart of Hades. Equipped with a new secret weapon, they are now ready to join Billy, Walter, Ashley and the others in second Eden to help them and the good dragons fight the invading army.

As the battle rages, a new helper arises, the only one who knows how to use Bonnie’s secret weapon, but the spy is ready to destroy him the moment he arrives. And with Devin the dragon slayer in their midst, proving that more evil forces have descended upon their world, the people of New Eden don’t know whom to trust.
– from Christianbook.com

View more details about this award-winning book, and take a moment to congratulate author Bryan Davis, here or at his blog.

Portions of this post are cross posted from Speculative Faith.

End of Voting

The voting for CSA is ending. Plans now are to announce the winner next week, hopefully Monday. Thanks to all those who participated by nominating books, telling others about the award, and voting. A readers’ choice award doesn’t work unless we have readers like you. Thank you!

2010 Clive Staples Award Voting

Voting begins today!

Please read these instructions carefully, then proceed to the ballot by clicking on the link below.

CSA is not a popularity contest. The award has been established to recognize the work of fiction which readers designate as the previous year’s best. Consequently, voters must adhere to these basic rules.

• You MUST have read at least two of the nominations.
• You may vote only once for a first, second, and third choice.
• You may not vote for the same book as your second or third option that you voted for as your first choice.
• Your votes for second and third options may not be for the identical book.
• You may mark the “none of these” option if you do not have a second or third choice.
• Voting will close September 1, 2010.
• Second and third choice options will only be considered if a clear winner is not determined by the first choice vote.

To vote, click here and answer all the questions.

Introducing The Word Reclaimed

Our last 2010 CWA nomination is The Word Reclaimed by Steve Rzasa (Marcher Lord Press).

Genre.
Adult Christian science fiction/space opera

Description.

Book 1: The Face of the Deep

In the far future, the civilized worlds have finally been freed of the curse of religion. Tolerance now rules the five colonies. Thanks to the secret police, no one has been bothered by so much as a hymn in two generations—much less a Torah, Koran, or that most dangerous of books, a Bible.

Baden is a teenager with an attitude. He spends his spare time salvaging wrecks in deep space, claiming for himself whatever the pirates leave behind. One day, Baden finds a book. A strange and very old book, preserved carefully against the ravages of deep space. Thinking he’ll become rich if only for the value of the paper, he takes it. He counts himself lucky beyond all imagining. Until it begins talking to him.

Amidst an interstellar war that threatens to overthrow the monarchy and drive great families to oblivion, Baden must evade the secret police and their attempts to get that book. Baden never had much use for religion. But it seems one has use of him.

What others are saying:

Almost from page one I was hooked. I hated putting it down. I liked that the book isn’t full of aliens, but rather a futuristic look at our universe if there were human expansion onto other planets. Overall this book is similar to stories I have read about Christians in persecuted countries in our day today. People hungry for the Word, living on the snippets that come their way but desperate for a whole copy of the Bible so that they would know just what God requires of them. There are the evil entities trying to snuff out the Word of God and any of Christ’s children in this story too, as they are in our world today. Then there are those in the middle, at the moment fighting against the truth, not knowing that God is real, and Steve Rzasa made them very likable people, people you didn’t want to jeer at; they will eventually have to make a choice. If you get a chance to read this book, take it, you won’t be disappointed.

- Kim Gregory, reviewer at Amazon

Awards.
Carol Award (formerly ACFW Book of the Year) finalist – Speculative Category

Learn More.
Read an excerpt of The Word Reclaimed
Read reviews at Teenage Writer and Fiction Addict
Read interviews with author Steve Rzasa at Word Vessel and Examiner.com

Obtain a Copy of The Word Reclaimed:
from Marcher Lord Press
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle edition

Request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-0982104996)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing The Vanishing Sculptor

From Donita K Paul and WaterBrook Press, nomination number eighteen, The Vanishing Sculptor.

Genre.
Young adult/adult Christian fantasy

Description.

Book 1, Dragons of Chiril

Tipper is a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own?

The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder.

Join new characters and old friends in a fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know nothing of Wulder or Paladin.

What others are saying:

Something original. Does not happen often in the genre of fantasy fiction. However, The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul manages to take the idea of “something old, something new” to a whole new level. From the tip of a tumanhofer’s tongue to the feet of an aged emerlindian’s throne, this epic adventure of self-discovery simply challenges the reader to do what makes reading the best form of entertainment: use the imagination. Not since the days of my youth has a novel moved and inspired me in such a mysterious manner. At thirty-four, I became fifteen again, rediscovering emotions and excitement I had not felt since first reading books like Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Richard A. Knaak’s The Legend of Huma, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

- J.R. Seus, reviewed at Christianbook.com

Awards.
Carol Award (formerly ACFW Book of the Year) finalist – Speculative Category

Learn More.
Read chapter 1
Read CSFF Blog Tour articles – see complete list of links
Read a review at Callappider Days and Title Trakk
Read interviews with Donita Paul at Virtual Tour de ‘Net and Title Trakk

Obtain a Copy of The Vanishing Sculptor:
from WaterBrook
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle edition
eBook from Barnes & Noble and WaterBrook
Audio Book CD (unabridged) from Amazon
MP3 on CD from Barnes & Noble

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-1400073399)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing Starfire

Nomination number seventeen brings us to Starfire by Stuart Vaughn Stockton (Marcher Lord Press).

Genre.
Adult Christian science fiction

Description.
The Mending, Book 1

On an alien planet far removed from Earth, Rathe of Yanguch seeks to rise from lowly origins and achieve greatness in the Karn Empire. His chance comes on a military mission when he is imprinted as the protector for a childlike artificial intelligence from an all-but-forgotten civilization.

Soon Rathe finds himself in the center of a war that threatens to tear his empire apart, and in search of a weapon that could save his nation or doom his world. Rathe must navigate treachery and prophecy to make a decision that will change his planet forever.

- the author

What others are saying:

Starfire is set on another planet featuring a race of saurns – basically intelligent dinosaur-like aliens. The main character is Rathe, a warrior who’s trying to prove himself. While his only goal is to rise above his low station in life and achieve great things for the Empire, he’s been chosen to do something far beyond his imagination … Combining dinosaurs with “ancient” sci-fi technology, mystical prophecies, and supernatural enemies—pure genius.

Reading this will take some work. Stockton has done exhaustive work in describing a wholly alien world, not unlike C.S. Lewis’s work in his Space Trilogy. The charts and glossaries are a must for this book. Highly Recommended

- Tim Frankovich at Christian Fiction Review

Awards.
Carol Award (formerly ACFW Book of the Year) finalist – Speculative Category

Learn More.
Read an excerpt
Read reviews of Starfire at Holy Speculation and Imagination Investigation
Read interviews with author Stuart Stockton at Marcher Lord Press and Unveiled

Obtain a Copy of Starfire:
from Marcher Lord Press
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle edition

Request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-0982104941)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing Offworld

Nomination number sixteen is Offworld by Robin Parrish (Bethany House).

Genre.
Adult science fantasy/thriller

Description.

Christopher Burke and his crew of NASA astronauts are the first human beings to walk on the surface of Mars. Their return to Earth was supposed to be a momentous day. But a surprise is waiting for them there that’s beyond imagining.

Safe after a treacherous landing in Florida, the crew emerges to find the unthinkable: every man, woman, child, and animal has vanished without a trace.

It’s not a dream.

It’s not a trick.

It’s real.

Alone now on their home planet, the crew sets out to discover the extraordinary secret behind the disappearance of mankind. And whether or not everyone can be brought back.

But they may not be as alone as they thought.

What others are saying:

Overall, this is a great novel. Parrish has put together an interesting concept and has done it well. The book also gives some interesting insight to what would happen if everyone on the planet suddenly disappeared. The maintaining of structures, food, and cars are all something I never would have thought about, but Parrish gives careful detail to. More importantly, he paid attention to the psychology of returning to and living in an empty world. This is a book worth finding and I will be on the lookout for more from Robin Parrish.

- Patricia at Christianbook.com

Learn More.
Read an excerpt
View book trailer
Read CSFF Blog Tour articles – see complete list of links
Read reviews of Offworld at Title Trakk and Bloggin’ Outloud
Read interviews with Robin Parrish at ComicBookJesus and Examiner.com

Obtain a copy of Offworld
from Bethany House Publishers
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle edition

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-0764206061)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing North! Or Be Eaten

North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook) is nomination number fifteen on the 2010 CSA list .

Genre.
Young adult Christian fantasy

Description.
Second in the Wingfeather Saga.

Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they’re really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters (1) of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders (2) of the East Bend, and the dreaded Fork Factory (3).

But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart, and Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.

(1) All possessing very sharp teeth.
(2) Murderous scoundrels, the lot.
(3) Woe!

What others are saying:

It has been a long time since I’ve read a book I’ve enjoyed as much as this one, and as a middle school English teacher, I’ve read a lot of this sort of fiction! The character development is so thorough – I got emotionally invested in the characters right away. There are strong Christian themes in this book, but it never gets heavy-handed, predictable or two-dimensional. In fact, Mr. Peterson paints a fantasy world that reflects the grim reality of sin that has broken our own world, but he does not leave out the fire-y, desperately beautiful, exhilarating truth of hope and love, too. Although I enjoyed the first book of the series, this one was substantially better, as it could build on what he created in the first. I hope this one becomes the classic it deserves to be, as something kids who love The Chronicles of Narnia can pick up when they are a little older. Bring on number three in the series!

- Becky, reviewing at Christianbook.com [editorial note: this is not me]

Awards.
Christy Award Winner – Young Adult Category

Learn More.
Read an excerpt
Read CSFF Blog Tour articles – see complete list of links
Read reviews at Thegrouchyladybug’s Weblog and at Suite 101
Read interviews with Andrew Peterson at Title Trakk and Novel Journey

Obtain a Copy of North! Or Be Eaten:
from the author
from WaterBrook Multnomah
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle edition
eBook from Barnes and Noble; from WaterBrook Multnomah

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-1400073870)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing The Muse

Nomination number fourteen — The Muse by Fred Warren (Splashdown Books).

Genre.
Adult inspirational fantasy

Description.

Imagine you’re a writer searching desperately for inspiration.

Imagine that one day, you find it, but in a way that seems impossible, that challenges all your assumptions about reality.

Imagine if inspiration could be fatal.

Stan Marino needs a muse. He’s written himself into a corner…again. A shot of inspiration is all he needs to finish his story,..where is he going to find it? What Stan doesn’t know: Inspiration has found him, and it’s about to take over his life. Ripped from reality, he must lead a band of lost souls in a life-or-death battle with a merciless enemy.

Stan has found his muse, but will he survive it?

What others are saying:

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up “The Muse” – fantasy? Mystery? A buddy adventure? Turns out it’s all three. Fred Warren has created an entertaining tale that explores a familiar topic: Be careful what you wish for … The dialogue is snappy, the action is taut, and the family emotion is strong and real. I would highly recommend “The Muse,” and hope Fred Warren continues to give us more of the fantastic!

- Stephen Rzasa, review at Amazon

Learn more.
Read the first chapter
View video trailers: number 1, number 2
Read a review at Christian Fiction Review Blog and The Sixth Chair
Read an interview with Fred Warren at Building a novel

Obtain a copy of The Muse:
from Splashdown Books
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble

Request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN # 978-0986451713)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing Lunatic

Nomination number thirteen is Lunatic by Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill (Thomas Nelson).

Genre.
Adult/young adult dark fantasy/suspense

Description.

The Lost Books #5

Separated by time and space, our heroes finally return home. But five years have passed and they find a nightmarishly changed world.

The despised Horde are now in control. The healing lakes of Elyon are now blood red. And mighty Thomas Hunter and his Forest Guard have disappeared.

Take a stand with the chosen but be wary, for not all is as it seems. Now the chosen themselves are questioning their very sanity. For the only way to win may be to lose. The only way to live may be to die. And the only one to lead may be a lunatic.

What others are saying:

Lunatic is a dark story to be sure, but a masterful tale nonetheless…I love the way that Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill have taken a familiar story and upped the ante on all accounts with more action, more intrigue, and ultimately more emotion. Hill somehow manages the daunting task of bringing uniqueness to the story without taking away any of the Dekker feel we all love so much.

- Jake Chism, review at Amazon

Learn More.
Read an excerpt
Read a review at 5MinutesForBooks and Edgy Inspirational Author
Read or listen to interviews with Kaci Hill at Title Trakk and Fiction Addict
Listen to interviews with Ted Dekker at Fiction Addict and Blog Talk Radio

Obtain a copy of Lunatic.
from Thomas Nelson
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle edition
eBook
Unabridged audio CD from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christianbook.com
MP3 Book from Barnes & Noble
Audible Audio Edition from Amazon

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN # 978-1595546838)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing Lost Mission

Our twelfth 2010 nomination is Lost Mission by Athol Dickson (Howard Fiction).

Genre.
Adult supernatural suspense/magic realism

Description.

Lupe de la Garza, a simple shopkeeper in a mountain village in Mexico, believes God wants her to go to America to preach the gospel. She is guided on her quest by her people’s greatest treasure: an altarpiece painted by the eighteenth century Franciscan friar who founded her village after fleeing the mysterious destruction of his California mission outpost. When Lupe is distracted by desire for a young minister who rescues her from certain death in the Arizona desert, and when her preaching in a southern California beach town inspires only apathy and laughter, she begins to lose faith in her quest. Then the slumbering evil that destroyed the friar’s Franciscan mission rises up again after two hundred years, and Lupe once more looks to the altarpiece for guidance, only to find the true purpose of her quest in the midst of her single greatest fear.

- Author

What others are saying:

Lost Mission by Athol Dickson is one of the most brilliant and compelling reads I’ve come across in a very long time. This skilled author has the ability to span the centuries and interweave two stories to make them one; the result is a breathtaking and epic saga of human endurance and humble love…I highly recommend this excellent book.

-Kathi Macias, review at Amazon

Awards.
Christy Award Winner – Suspense Category

Learn More.
Read an excerpt
Read CSFF Blog Tour articles – see complete list of links
Read a review at Novel Reviews and at Tossing It Out
Read interviews with Athol Dickson at Favorite PASTimes and Faith, Fiction & Friends

Obtain a Copy of Lost Mission:
from the publisher
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle edition
eBook from Barnes and Noble; from Simon & Schuster
Hardcover – Large print from Amazon; from Barnes and Noble; from Christianbook.com

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-1416583479)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing The Last Cordate

Nomination number eleven is The Last Cordate by Alison Pickrell (OakTara).

Genre.
Adult Christian fantasy

Description.

In the beginning the race of beings called datta reveled in their world, their gifts, and made Da-Dat-Shee, the three-hearted God, the center of their lives…until they turned inward, seeking their own pleasure.

In an attempt to right the wrongs, every ten years they chose a Cordate among their younglings to carry Grief from the planet. But the evil Necrose stopped the Cordates before they could accomplish their mission.

Now Talasa begins her journey as Cordate. She’s convinced that the glorious age of Diapason awaits. Yet, are the people ready to receive this news? With Necrose lurking, the journey will be perilous indeed…

- Publisher

What others are saying:
The Last Cordate builds an amazing and imaginative world that flows delightfully into an exciting adventure. This adventure expands on many levels and gives true life to a time and place that is like a dream. You will want to add this novel to your library just to savor this very unique experience.

- L. D. Alford, review at Amazon

Obtain a copy of The Last Cordate.
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com
from Buy.com
Highway Won book store

Other Formats.
Kindle edition
eBook

Request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-1602901735)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire

Next up is Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire by Christopher and Allen Miller (Warner Press).

Genre.
Young adult/middle grade contemporary Christian fantasy

Description.
Second in the Codebearers series.

After returning from his first trip to Solandria, Hunter Brown finds himself alone with memories of his adventures and many unanswered questions. He returns to school with the sneaking suspicion he is being watched, but his tendency to think he is being trailed by the Shadow lands him in a heap of trouble.

Soon, Hunter takes a wild ride to Solandria with two new friends, Trista and Rob, and a furry creature, Boojum. The land has greatly changed. The Codebearers have been scattered and the Resistance is weak. With more questions than answers, Hunter, Trista and Rob begin their quest, led by a mysterious flame. Their goal is to find the Seven mentioned in the Author’s Writ. But they face a brutal adversary, Xaul, who threatens to steal the flame and destroy all that remains of the Resistance.

– Publisher

What others are saying:

Though it hardly seems posible this book is even better than the first. I loved the new characters but am glad they kept the old ones too. The creatures are so cool (expecialy the snarks) as are the transportations: giant turtles, flying ships. I loved everything about this book. This is a must read.

- Elijah Duval, reviewer at Christianbook.com

Learn more.
Read the first four chapters
Look inside
Read endorsements of Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire
Watch a video trailer
Read a review at the Christian Book Club and Book Trends
Read interviews with the Miller Brothers at WhereTheMapEnds and with L. B. Graham

Obtain a copy of Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire.
from Warner Press
from the author (autographed copy)
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-1593173579)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing The Firstborn

On to nomination number nine, The Firstborn by Conlan Brown (Realms Fiction).

Genre.
Adult Christian contemporary paranormal thriller

Description.

The Firstborn, those gifted with Foresight, Hindsight, and Insight at the time of Christ’s death are divided between themselves. And when an Islamic holy man is murdered outside of his mosque it becomes apparent that one of the Firstborn was to blame. Now, with the threat of a terrorist attack on an unspeakable target the Firstborn are spiraling out of control. Leaders are dying, members are being kidnapped, and unity is being forced.

Three heroes, differently gifted and divided must work together to thwart those who would go too far. Their breakneck race against time plunges them into a world of danger and through a gauntlet across the United States. From the River-walk of San Antonio, where Devin Bathurst, John Temple, and Hannah Rice must protect one another from assassination, to the gritty streets of Washington DC, a paramilitary compound in West Virginia, and ultimately back to our nation’s Capital, the Firstborn must unite to prevent an impending atrocity from becoming reality.

- Publisher

What others are saying:

Conlan has crafted a compelling story along the lines of such talent as Bronleewe, Dekker and Parrish. I am truly impressed. The creativity of this story combined with a believable plot that twists around world problems in existence today is profound. This story breathes life and truth rather than destruction.

- Michelle Sutton

Learn more.
Read an excerpt
View a video trailer.
Read a review at Ezine Articles and Thoughts of a Sojourner
Read interviews with Conlan Brown at Title Trakk and WhereTheMapEnds

Obtain a copy of The Firstborn.
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle edition
eBook

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN # 978-1599796079)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter

Nomination number eight on our alphabetical list of 2010 nominations is Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter (published in the UK under the title Knife) by R. J. Anderson (HarperCollins).

Genre.
Middle grade/young adult contemporary faery fantasy.

Description.

Forget everything you think you know about faeries. . . .

Creatures full of magic and whimsy?

Not in the Oakenwyld. Not anymore.

Deep inside the great Oak lies a dying faery realm, bursting with secrets instead of magic. Long ago the faeries mysteriously lost their magic. Robbed of their powers, they have become selfish and dull-witted. Now their numbers are dwindling and their very survival is at stake.

Only one young faery—Knife—is determined to find out where her people’s magic has gone and try to get it back. Unlike her sisters, Knife is fierce and independent. She’s not afraid of anything—not the vicious crows, the strict Faery Queen, or the fascinating humans living nearby. But when Knife disobeys the Faery Queen and befriends a human named Paul, her quest becomes more dangerous than she realizes. Can Knife trust Paul to help, or has she brought the faeries even closer to the brink of destruction?

Talented newcomer R. J. Anderson creates an extraordinary new fantasy world and weaves a gripping tale of lost magic, high adventure, and surprising friendship in which the fate of an entire realm rests on the shoulders of one brave faery rebel.

- Publisher

What others are saying:

“It took me a chapter to get into the story, but after that I was hooked. I LOVED IT! I wanted to drop everything and finish the story. I’m so excited there’s another three books in the series. I loved the world R.J. Anderson created and how the faeries interact with humans. It’s an engaging fantastical tale.”

- mrdarcy3, Barnes & Noble reviewer

Awards.
Nominated for 2011 Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award
Named an Honour Book for the 2010 Children’s Book of the Year Award by the Canadian Library Association
Named one of the 2010 Best Bets for Children by the Ontario Library Association
Nominated for the Carnegie Medal

Learn More.
Browse the inside (first five chapters, and more)
Read CSFF Blog Tour articles – see complete list of links
Read a review at Harmony Book Reviews and Becky’s Book Reviews
Read interviews with R. J. Anderson at the Blue Castle and The Book Owl

Obtain a Copy of Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter
from HarperCollins
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Chapters/Indigo
from IndieBound

Other Formats.
Kindle edition
Audio, CD, Audiobook, Unabridged
Available in ebook

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 006155474X)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing Eternity Falls

Nomination number seven on the 2010 list is Eternity Falls by Kirk Outerbridge (Marcher Lord Press).

Genre.
Adult near future science fiction techno-thriller

Description.
It wasn’t supposed to happen. People who took the Miracle Treatment weren’t supposed to die-ever, especially not the famous movie star spokesperson for the Treatment.

And yet, that’s exactly what’s happened. The stunning starlet Greta Darling who looked 22 but was really 89, has suddenly died, of natural causes. Desperate to assure their billions of clients that the Miracle Treatment really does work, the company executives call in private investigator Rick Macey. Macey’s job is to find out what really happened to Greta Darling–or, failing that, to simply come up with some other explanation of how she died.

What others are saying:
An edgy hard-boiled future detective story, Eternity Falls sucks you into a dystopian world reminiscent of Blade Runner and Necromancer.

- W. H. Hayes at Amazon.com

“Eternity Falls works on many levels, and I enjoyed the fast-paced conclusion that reminded me of “District 9.” The mystery elements are solid, if not anything too deep, and the sci-fi aspects grow more interesting as the story moves along.”

- Eric Wilson at Amazon.com

Learn More.
Read Chapter One
Read a review at Christian Fiction Review and The Christian Manifesto
Read interviews with Kirk Outerbridge at WhereTheMapEnds and MerrieDestefano.com

Obtain a Copy of Eternity Falls:
from Marcher Lord Press
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle version

Introducing The Enclave

Number six on our 2010 list of nominations is The Enclave by four-time Christy Award winner Karen Hancock (Bethany House Publishers).

Genre.
Adult Christian contemporary science fiction/supernatural thriller.

Description.

When Lacey McHenry accepts a prestigious research fellowship at the world-renowned Kendell-Jakes Longevity Institute, she sees it as a new start on life. But a disturbing late-night encounter with an intruder leads to an unexpected cover-up by Institute authorities, and she soon realizes there’s more going on than she ever imagined.

She finds a supporter in genetics researcher Cameron Reinhardt. However, Reinhardt is a favorite of the Institute’s director, and she can’t help wondering if he, too, is in on the cover-up. The brilliant but absentminded researcher turns out to have his own secrets, some of them dark and deadly.

The Enclave is characterized by adventure, intrigue, spiritual analogy, and romance, all set in an unusual but fully realized world–one that may have its foundations on earth but which, the more one learns of it, doesn’t seem much like the earth we know at all.

- Publisher

What others are saying:

“The story is very fast-paced. The characters are very interesting and believable. Their struggles, including faith/belief, are real and honest. The story takes some incredibly interesting twists, and the author does a remarkable job of handling relevant issues such as genetic research and medical ethics. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who enjoy sci-fi.”

- Rachel, reviewer at Christianbook.com

Awards.
Christy Award finalist – Visionary Category

Learn More.
Read an excerpt
Read CSFF Blog Tour articles – see complete list of links
Read a review at Christian Romance Novels and Relz Reviewz
Read interviews with Karen Hancock at WhereTheMapEnds and Christian Fandom
Download The Enclave Q&A

Obtain a Copy of The Enclave:
from Bethany House Publishers
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com
from Highway Won

Other Formats.
Kindle
Hardcover – Large print

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-0-7642-0328-2)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing Curse of the Spider King

Nomination number five in our alphabetical listing for the 2010 award is Curse of the Spider King, first in the Berinfell Prophecies, by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper (Thomas Nelson Publishing).

Genre.
Young adult Christian classic fantasy.

Description.

The Seven succeeding Elven Lords of Allyra were dead, lost in the Siege of Berinfell as babes. At least that’s what everyone thought until tremors from a distant world known as Earth, revealed strange signs that Elven blood lived among its peoples. With a glimmer of hope in their hearts, sentinels are sent to see if the signs are true. But theirs is not a lone errand. The ruling warlord of Allyra, the Spider King, has sent his own scouts to hunt down the Seven and finish the job they failed to complete many ages ago.

Now 13-year-olds on the brink of the Age of Reckoning when their Elven gifts will be manifest, discover the unthinkable truth that their adoptive families are not their only kin. With mysterious Sentinels revealing breathtaking secrets of the past, and dark strangers haunting their every move, will the young Elf Lords find the way back to the home of their birth? Worlds and races collide as the forces of good and evil battle. Will anyone escape the Curse of the Spider King?

- Publisher

What others are saying:

Wayne Batson and Christopher Hopper have successfully combined their voices into one and written a beautiful book. Honorable adults, courageous characters, a loving almighty God. Hair raising battle scenes and repulsing spiders. Evil villians and mystery wrought within. And one insanely intriguing story-line, I’m still putting pieces together. And I’m loving it!

You will love this book.

- Amazon reviewer Petriekidn

Learn More.
Read an excerpt
Listen to Chapter One read by Greg Whalen
View reader-produced book trailer
Read CSFF Blog Tour articles – see complete list with links
Read reviews at SFFWorld.com and SciFiChick
Read interviews with Wayne Thomas Batson at Title Trakk and WhereTheMapEnds
Read interviews with Christopher Hopper at WhereTheMapEnds and Christian Fandom

Obtain a Copy of Curse of the Spider King:
from Thomas Nelson
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
CD audio version from Amazon
Unabridged CD audio from Christianbook.com
Compact Disk – Unabridged from Barnes & Noble
Available in eBook from Barnes & Noble
Kindle edition

Look for or request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-1400315055)
Ask your local library to order a copy.

Introducing By Darkness Hid

Our next 2010 nomination is By Darkness Hid, first in the Blood of Kings series by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press).

Genre.
Adult/young adult Christian classic fantasy.

Description.

Given the chance to train as a squire, kitchen servant Achan Cham hopes to pull himself out of his pitiful life and become a Kingsguard Knight. When Achan’s owner learns of his training, he forces Achan to spar with the Crown Prince–more of a death sentence than an honor. Meanwhile, strange voices in Achan’s head cause him to fear he’s going mad. While escorting the prince to a council presentation, their convoy is attacked. Achan is wounded and arrested, but escapes from prison–only to discover a secret about himself he never believed possible.

What others are saying:

“By Darkness Hid is the kind of fantasy that should be on Christian bookstore shelves everywhere. Fascinating and complete. If you like fantasy novels at all, you owe it to yourself to get hold of this one. I can’t wait to explore it further. Highly Recommended.”
—Christian Fiction Review

Awards.
Christy Award winner – Visionary Category
Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine
Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist – Religious Fiction Category
EPIC Award winner – Fantasy Category

Learn More.
Download Chapter One
View book trailer
Read CSFF Blog Tour articles – see complete list with links available
Read recommendations of By Darkness Hid
Read a review at TitleTrakk
Read interviews with Jill Williamson at Marcher Lord Press, New Authors Fellowship, KM Wilsher
Download discussion questions

Obtain a Copy of By Darkness Hid:
from Marcher Lord Press
from the author (autographed copy)
from Amazon
from Barnes & Noble
from Christianbook.com

Other Formats.
Kindle or iPhone

Request a copy at a bookstore near you (ISBN# 978-0982104958)
Ask your local library to order a copy.